Clinical cardiology
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Clinical cardiology · Mar 2018
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyStem-cell therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with reduced ejection fraction: A multicenter, double-blind randomized trial.
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a major determinant of long-term prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STEMI patients with reduced LVEF have a poor prognosis, despite successful reperfusion and the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors. ⋯ In this randomized, multicenter, double-blind trial, BMMC intracoronary infusion did not improve left ventricular remodeling or decrease infarct size.
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Clinical cardiology · Mar 2018
NT-proBNP is associated with mortality and adverse cardiac events in patients with atrial fibrillation presenting to the emergency department.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the emergency department. The CHA2 DS2 -VASc score helps to predict thromboembolic risk; however, the rate of other adverse cardiac events is more difficult to predict. ⋯ In patients presenting to the emergency department with AF, higher NT-proBNP values are independently associated with an increased mortality and MACE. Therefore, this biomarker may be a useful prognostic marker in the management and treatment of these patients.
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Clinical cardiology · Mar 2018
Observational StudyCardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation is associated with a 24-hour relapse gap: Observations from prolonged postcardioversion rhythm monitoring.
Many recurrences occur after electrical cardioversion (ECV) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Assessment of extent of remodeling and continuous prolonged rhythm monitoring might reveal actionable recurrence mechanisms. ⋯ In this study on 50 patients successfully cardioverted for persistent AF, there was a relapse gap of ≥24 hours. This phenomenon has not been well appreciated before and offers an AF-free window of opportunity for electrocardiographically triggered cardiac imaging or complex electrophysiological procedures. Echocardiographic tissue velocity imaging may visualize atrial remodeling relevant to AF recurrence.